Thomas Blamey

Thomas Blamey (24 January 1884-27 May 1951) was an Australian general who had the distinction of being the only Australian with the rank of Field Marshal. A veteran of World War I, Blamey would fight with distinction in World War II, especially during the Kokoda Trail campaign on New Guinea.

Biography
Blamey took charge of the Australian Imperial Force, Middle East, in February 1940 but also fought in Greece. He returned home in March 1942 as commander-in-chief Allied Land Forces and oversaw operations in the Southwest Pacific, notably on New Guinea. Blamey played a pivotal role in the New Guinea campaign during the twelve months after September 1942, and he became the first Australian to hold the rank of Field Marshal. He died in Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia on 27 May 1951 at the age of 67.